Formal complaint: Purpose and scope

CITY OF AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0355
April 6, 2020
Complaint: Mr.
complainant, alleges that Austin Police Department (APD)
officers may have violated APD policy during a traffic stop. Mr.
alleges the
following:
"I was driving when I saw the cop in the middle of the road between the lines, and I saw
the limit, SO I made sure I was driving the limit--65/60 miles. When I passed, I saw the
lights on and I pulled over and he said 'Why did you stop?' and I said 'I know the law in
this country--you see an officer turn their lights on, you have to pull over.' When he
pulled me over I said, 'Do you speak Spanish?' and he said 'Spanish people coming over
here screwing everybody's life and screw everything around.' I understand a little bit of
English, but I couldn't record when he said that. I asked him for a Spanish officer to
speak Spanish. I know the laws in this country, and I know he was being racist to me. He
gave me a ticket of $260 just because I asked to look for another officer to speak Spanish.
And I didn't want to sign the ticket and the other officer who speaks Spanish said 'Please,
just sign the ticket or he can give you more tickets.' And I think he got mad because
I
said I am a resident and I have legal status here."
This notice of formal complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an investigation in
order to determine if the employee conduct is within compliance of APD policy, Civil Service
Rules, and Municipal Civil Service Rules.
Recommended Administrative Policies to Review (to include but not limited to):
301.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
All persons deserve protection by fair and impartial law enforcement and should be able to
expect similar police response to their behavior wherever it occurs. Employees will serve the
public through direction, counseling, assistance, and protection of life and property. Employees
will be held accountable for the manner in which they exercise the authority of their office or
position. Employees will respect the rights of individuals and perform their services with
honesty, sincerity, courage, and sound judgment.
301.2 IMPARTIAL ATTITUDE AND COURTESY
Employees are expected to act professionally, treat all persons fairly and equally, and perform
all duties impartially, objectively, and equitably without regard to personal feelings, animosities,
friendships, financial status, sex, creed, color, race, religion, age, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, gender identity or gender expression or social or ethnic background.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.
OF
CITY
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
1839
303.3.1 WHEN DEPARTMENT ISSUED BWC SYSTEM USE IS REQUIRED
This section is not intended to describe every possible situation where the system may be used.
In some circumstances it may not be possible to capture images of an incident due to conditions
or location of the camera, however the audio portion can be valuable evidence and is subject to
the same activation requirements. The BWC should only be activated for law enforcement
purposes.
304.3.2 WHEN DMAV USE IS REQUIRED
This order is not intended to describe every possible situation where the system may be used.
In some circumstances it is not possible to capture images of the incident due to conditions or
location of the camera however the audio portion can be valuable evidence and is subject to the
same activation requirements.
F
900.1.1 RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW AND COMPLY
The rules of conduct set forth in this order do not serve as an all-inclusive list of requirements,
limitations, or prohibitions on employee conduct and activities; employees are required to know
and comply with all Department policies, procedures, and written directives.
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation
on the classification of administrative cases.
The OPO recommends that this allegation receive an A classification.
UNDED
1839
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.